Leinster limping but theres more in them
Saturdays quarter-final was Leinsters 19th knockout game over the last four seasons... the fact they won 15 of those shows their understanding of whats required on these occasions, writesDonal Lenihan.
Despite another less-than-spectacular performance, Leinster find themselves in another European semi-final, their eighth in the continents premier competition.
It proved a disappointing weekend for the Aviva Premiership overall with three of their four representatives biting the dust. Leinster not only carry Irish interests but also that of the Guinness Pro12 as they challenge for a coveted fourth European gold star on their famous blue jersey.
Saracens fly the flag for England after an incredibly fortunate win over Racing Metro. Johnny Sextons side shot themselves in the foot by giving away a penalty in the last play of the game. You could see it coming. In a repeat of last seasons semi-final, Sarries now meet Clermont- Auvergne once again.
Clermonts 37-5 annihilation of Aviva Premiership holders Northampton once again begs the question what is wrong with the French national team? They were absolutely superb and right now appear in pole position to finally land a first ever European Cup.
As anticipated, Toulon filled the final semi-final slot when they accounted for Wasps at Stade Felix Mayol but they were less than convincing in accounting for their English foes. That offers Leinster hope, even if they appear to have a lot to work on before that clash in Marseille on April 19.
Leinsters greater craft, experience and understanding of what is required when it comes to the knockout stage of tournament rugby made all the difference against Bath in a contest that was still in the balance right up to the final whistle. Even then, the outcome was shrouded in controversy, with both sides laying claim to a penalty in the games last play. Bath were furious it went Leinsters way as the possibility of extending the game into extra-time was denied them.
French referee Jerome Garces has often been the source of controversy with Irish sides involved but with a penalty count of 12-4 in Leinsters favour, nobody in the home camp was throwing any menacing glances his way on Saturday evening.
Saturdays quarter-final in Dublin was Leinsters 19th knockout game spread across the Pro12, Heineken, Amlin and Champions Cup over the last four seasons. The fact that they had won 15 of those contests ahead of the weekend shows their understanding of what is required on occasions such as this.
By way of contrast, Bath lacked the game appreciation, smarts and discipline required to prosper in the cauldron of cup rugby. In addition, their normally reliable handling skills let them down. While they are entitled to feel somewhat aggrieved, given that they outscored Leinster by two tries to nil, knockout rugby is not about how you score your points, just about how many you score over 80 minutes.
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Leinster limping but theres more in them